Trai relaxes penalty norms on pesky calls

Stating that the number of pesky telemarketing is falling, telecom regulator Trai has relaxed penalty norms on such calls and text messages.

It will impose fine on telecom operators based on new a slab instead of levying Rs 5,000 fine on every call and SMS complaint received.

Telecom operators will not be penalised for up to 50 complaints received against them in a week for pesky calls and SMSes originating from their networks.

“In order to incentivise service providers who take necessary steps to control the UCC (unsolicited commercial calls), it has been decided by the authority to have the following graded system of imposing financial disincentive with effect from September 16, 2013,” Trai said on Monday.

Beyond 50 complaints and up to 300, Trai will impose Rs 1,000 fine on every complaint. A fine of Rs 2,000 per complaint will be levied if the total number ranges between 301 to 700, and Rs 5,000 on every complaint beyond 700.

“The number of complaints on weekly basis is significantly reduced. It has reduced from 12,848 to the week ending August 22, 2013 (date on which Trai announced Rs 5,000 penalty per pesky calls/SMS complaint) to 4,046 for the week ending November 17, 2013," Trai said in the statement.

The regulatory authority had on August 22 announced new regulations that penalised advertisers such as banks, insurance firms and realty players that used unregistered tele-marketers.

All their telephone numbers and broadband connections provided by any operator would be disconnected in such cases.